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US states brace for Hurricane Irene

New York is braced for high winds and heavy rainResidents are boarding up homes along the east coastCoastal evacuations are under way in North CarolinaHurricane Irene is moving up the east coast of the US

Evacuation orders have been issued across many areas on the United States’ east coast as Americans faces down what is predicted to be one of the most powerful storms to hit the country in years.

Low-lying parts of New York city as well as coastal areas in Virginia, Delaware and Maryland have all received evacuation orders while US President Barack Obama also issued a state of emergency in North Carolina.

Meanwhile passenger rail operator Amtrak will start canceling trains on its busy Northeast routes tomorrow, while the New York Subway system will also close over the weekend.

It says citizens living in the affected areas should monitor local news and weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Visitors should contact their travel agent or tour operator as the deteriorating weather conditions are likely to lead to significant travel disruption, including at major east coast airports, over the coming weekend.

Meanwhile, Aer Lingus has cancelled a number of flights to and from JFK Airport in New York in anticipation of the hurricane.

Six Sunday flights have been halted so far, with the airline saying that as Hurricane Irene moves towards the east coast of the US operations may be further disrupted in New York and Boston.

Aer Lingus said it continued to monitor the situation closely and intending passengers should check the airline's website for updates before leaving for the airport.

The airline said that anyone booked to travel to/from New York or Boston from today (26 August) until Monday 29 August could rebook their travel at no additional charge.